Comparing the Switch 2 and Switch OLED models for a week's use: my unexpected discoveries
Switching Gears: Sparking Debate on the Nintendo Switch 2 and OLED
Ah, the Nintendo Switch 2, the gaming world's latest obsession! Or is it just a flash in the pan? I got my grubby hands on the Nintendo Switch 2 and here's the lowdown.
Now, don't get it twisted, this device is a sales juggernaut, the speediest console on the planet according to some. But is it all hype? Nah, there's more to it, but there are some snags to consider too.
Let me give you the lowdown on how the Nintendo Switch 2 stacks up against the handy-dandy OLED.
What's the Same (and the Bad)?
Okay, despite some flashy changes, there are plenty of similarities between the Switch 2 and the OLED—for better and for worse.
On the plus side, most Nintendo Switch games are compatible with the Switch 2. But there's a catch—some games just won't play nice, and I gotta hold my horses on judging the Switch 2 for that. Nintendo and the developers are working on resolving the incompatibilities with updates.
Now, let's talk about the ergonomics of the Joy-Con controllers—a significant disappointment shared by both consoles. Nintendo didn't make any meaningful improvements on the ergonomics of the original Switch, and that's a head-scratcher. If you're like me and rocking third-party Joy-Con controllers, you know they're a million times more comfortable.
As for the user interface (UI), the majority of it is the same, and that's a'ight. The Nintendo eShop gets an enhancement on the Switch 2, but I'd love to see more themes, like some cool PlayStation-esque backgrounds. Come on, Nintendo, don't be old-fashioned!
Virtual Game Cards are a new feature for the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, but they also work on the Switch OLED. It's neat to let your friends borrow one of your games for up to two weeks, but there are a few quirks in the process.
The Difference (Where the OLED Shines)
I've made it crystal clear in my review of the Nintendo Switch 2 - no OLED screen is a dealbreaker. Nintendo took away our greatest handheld display and threw it away. Who does that?
The depth and contrast of the OLED screen outshine other LCD/LED displays. The OLED's self-emitting pixels mean that when you see black, you're truly looking at a pixel that's off, and that results in pretty much infinite contrast.
Playing games like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom on the OLED looked breathtaking. From the crisp green grass to the crystal blue ocean, it was like peering into one of Nintendo's classic worlds. Compared to the Switch 2, the colors and natural environments didn't pop as much. It's still beautiful, but the OLED is a clear winner when it comes to visuals.
Battery life is another area where the Nintendo Switch OLED wins. It's rated for 4.5 to 9 hours, compared to the Switch 2's 2 to 6.5 hours. For those with longer commutes, that extra juice is a lifesaver.
Portability is another advantage of the OLED. It's smaller and lighter, weighing just 0.71 pounds (0.93 pounds with Joy-Con attached). That's a weight difference I can feel. And if you're using the ergonomic third-party Hori Split Pad Pro controllers, which I recommend, the OLED's lighter weight makes it a pleasure to play for hours.
The Difference (Where the Switch 2 Takes the Gold)
Performance is where the Switch 2 is in a league of its own. With its new Nvidia T239 chip, Nintendo cranks out frame generation, giving this handheld console the power to run demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077. The OLED just can't handle high-demand AAA titles, as seen with its cloud-based ports of games like Control and Resident Evil Village.
Then there's the display. Yeah, I know I moaned about the Switch 2 ditching OLED, but the overall display specs and connectivity are a massive improvement. It features a larger 7.9-inch display clocked at 1080p with a 120Hz refresh rate, and when you connect it to the dock, you can get 4K/60Hz. That puts the Switch 2 on par with its rival consoles, which have had those features for years. It also crushes the OLED's 7-inch, 720p (1080p when docked), 60Hz display.
The Switch dock is also nicer – it looks and feels more premium, but that feels like a mini victory compared to the fantastic ergonomics of the Hori Split Pad Pro.
So, which one gets your hard-earned cash? Well, the Nintendo Switch 2 is a superior console, no doubt about it. But there's no denying that the $350 Nintendo Switch OLED is still a beast and might be the best Switch for some.
Why? The OLED is cheaper. $350 is a steep price when you consider the games compatible with the Switch 2 might be limited and the Switch OLED can handles popular titles more smoothly. But if you're a Nintendo fanatic who can't wait for the latest exclusives, you'll want to throw down your cash for the Switch 2. But for most gamers, waiting for a sale or even the rumored OLED version of the Switch 2 might be the way to go.
- The Nintendo Switch 2 boasts impressive performance, being touted as the speediest console by some, with a new Nvidia T239 chip that handles demanding games like Cyberpunk 2077.
- The OLED screen on the Nintendo Switch OLED offers superior visuals, with enhanced contrast and color accuracy that make games like The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom look breathtaking.
- The Nintendo Switch OLED has a longer battery life compared to the Switch 2, offering 4.5 to 9 hours of playtime, making it ideal for those with long commutes.
- The portable nature of the Nintendo Switch OLED shines through, with a smaller and lighter design that weighs just 0.71 pounds, making it a pleasure to play for hours, especially with ergonomic third-party like Hori Split Pad Pro controllers.
- The Nintendo Switch 2 offers a larger 7.9-inch display clocked at 1080p with a 120Hz refresh rate, and when docked, it can achieve 4K/60Hz output, putting it on par with rival consoles in terms of display specs and connectivity.
